Ocean Bill of Lading

Negotiable instrument of title for maritime freight. Standardized carrier-neutral template.

BILL OF LADING

ORIGINAL

SCAC: SHPT

Ocean Carrier / Agent Name

1234 Maritime Way, Port City, Logistics Hub

Email: operations@carrier.com | Tel: +1 234 567 890

Shipper

Consignee

Notify Party

Bill of Lading No.

Booking Reference

Export References

Vessel / Voyage

Port of Loading

Port of Discharge

Place of Delivery

Container & Seal No.	Pkgs	Description of Goods	Gross Wt (KGS)	Meas. (CBM)

Freight & Charges

Freight Prepaid

Payable At

No. of Original BLs

Place and Date of Issue

Signed as Agent for the Carrier or Master

RECEIVED by the Carrier the Goods as specified above in apparent good order and condition unless otherwise stated, to be transported to such place as agreed, authorized or permitted herein and subject to all the terms and conditions appearing on the front and reverse of this Bill of Lading to which the Merchant agrees by accepting this Bill of Lading, any local privileges and customs notwithstanding.

Bill of Lading (BL) Basics

A **Bill of Lading** is the most critical legal instrument in the maritime supply chain. It operates under strict international conventions such as the **Hague-Visby Rules** or **COGSA (Carriage of Goods by Sea Act)** and serves three non-negotiable legal functions:

1. Receipt of Goods

Confirms the carrier has taken charge of the cargo in the condition described.

2. Evidence of Contract

Documentary proof of the carriage agreement between the shipper and the carrier.

3. Document of Title

Enables the transfer of ownership of the goods while they are still in transit on the water.

The Negotiability Factor

When a Bill of Lading is issued "To Order," it becomes a negotiable instrument. This allows the shipper to sell the goods to a third party or use the B/L as collateral for trade financing (Letters of Credit). The endorsement and physical delivery of the original B/L are equivalent to the delivery of the goods themselves. In contrast, a **Sea Waybill** is non-negotiable and does not confer title, intended for straight-party shipments where cargo security is less of a concern than velocity.